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And this is what you need to do:

To activate the new feature, it's pretty simple. You just need to know where to look.

First of all, you'll need to download the most recent version of Whatsapp via the App Store or Google Play. It will be version 2.19.21.

The head over to the settings menu inside the app.

This might very slightly depending on the operating system you're using, but it's symbolised by a cog and usually found in the bottom right-hand side of your screen.

Once you're in settings, you'll need to tap on "account" which will take you into deeper into Whatsapp's security and privacy settings.

You'll find this in the second block of options, indicated by a little key shaped icon.

Under your account area, there should be an option to select "privacy". This is at the top of the list if you are running iOS, but may be elsewhere if you're on a version of Android.

Tap on "Privacy" and this should open a new menu which gives you lots of options regarding the privacy of certain things on your Whatsapp account, such as hiding your profile picture to a list of people you've blocked.

But what you need is the new option which has been added to the account area - it's under "Screen Lock".

Depending on your device, this will open up an option on how to authenticate access to Whatsapp, and the time period it takes for the lock to activate.

It will also offer a default option on how to unlock the app, again, depending on your device.

You'll need to swipe the toggle on to activate and select when you want the lock to kick in after you exit the app.

Once this is activated, you'll only be able to open Whatsapp with Face ID, fingerprint or passcode. However you will still be able to reply to messages from notifications if you have this activated, and you'll be able to answer calls via the service.